Youngsters display photography in Suffolk

Budding photographers from Ipswich have been showcasing their newfound skills at a high street gallery in a Suffolk town.

Twelve residents from Sanctuary Supported Living’s Anglesea Road and Berners Street have proudly exhibited their work at Artspace in Woodbridge, following a six-week photography course.

The young people - supported housing residents who have faced homelessness or were at risk of being homeless - shaped the focus of the course by opting to study portraiture, storytelling and street photography.

The keen students were taught new techniques and then curated the exhibition themselves, inviting the public to view their artwork.

Resident Lamisha Blanchard said: “It was really cool. I learnt so much and it pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me talk to new people.”

Course leader, local photographer and deputy local service manager, David Perkins, added: “This course has given residents an opportunity to try something new and we are so proud of their achievements.

“Exhibiting the artwork and hearing positive feedback from the public has really boosted their confidence.”

The artwork was on sale to the public during the exhibition, with profits shared among residents.

Funding for this project came from Sanctuary’s Grand Ideas Fund, which offers grants to support projects that make a difference to Sanctuary residents and their communities.

A grant was also received from Councillor Inga Lockington, along with support from the coffee cooperative, Revolver.

To find out more about the Grand Ideas Fund or to apply, call 01905 335163, email community@sanctuary-housing.co.uk.

Find out more about how Sanctuary Supported Living supports young people.

This course has given residents an opportunity to try something new and we are so proud of their achievements.

Deputy local service manager, David Perkins

Read more about this story in the Ipswich Star.